NFL Notes: Chiefs, Colts, Jaguars, Panthers

Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have promoted first-round QB Patrick Mahomes to their No. 2 quarterback.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid explained that Mahomes earned this opportunity and it’s not something they were playing to do regardless of how he played.

“It’s not because of Tyler’s performance in the game,” Reid said of Tyler Bray, via ESPN.com. “I thought he actually did very well … and Patrick did a nice job, too. It gives [Mahomes] an opportunity to step up and work with that second group and see what he can do there.

“It’s not something [Tyler] didn’t do. [Tyler] is playing well. But Patrick has also done a nice job. In order to step up with that group, Pat would have had to [make] progress.”

Colts

Colts GM Chris Ballard mentioned during Sunday’s broadcast that QB Andrew Luck is probably stronger now that he was at any point last season.

“He’s doing really well,” Ballard said, via Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star. “His strength levels are probably better than they were at any point last season.”

Colts owner Jim Irsay admitted they considered signing a veteran backup quarterback, who’s in his mid-30s but they felt that the price was too high.

“I can’t say that Luck will be ready for the [regular-season opening] Rams game but he will be ready for the start of the season,” Irsay said, via NFL.com. “He is throwing.”

Irsay did say that this quarterback wasn’t Colin Kaepernick.

Jaguars

Jaguars WR Marqise Lee was carted off during Sunday’s practice with a right leg injury. However, Adam Schefter reports that Lee’s injury isn’t any thing serious.

Jaguars HC Doug Marrone said they plan to be cautious with Lee moving forward, even after getting some good news.

“We’re going to be real cautious with that,” Marrone said, via ESPN.com. “If it puts anything in jeopardy for a longer deal, because we’ll get him back, then I probably would hold him.”

• Jaguars rookie RB Leonard Fournette suffered a foot injury and HC Doug Marrone said they plan to be “careful with him” moving forward. (Adam Schefter)

Panthers

Panthers QB Cam Newton participated in a portion of team drills for the first time in a few weeks on Sunday. However, HC Ron Rivera explained that they’re still being patient with Newton and his return from shoulder surgery.

“There’s no reason to [panic],” Rivera said, via ESPN.com. “We’re just listening to what the doctors are trying to say. They’re optimistic. As long as we don’t have a setback, which we don’t anticipate, we certainly feel good about where we are right now. It’s very positive.”

“Today was a good step, very positive,” Rivera added. “A lot of good things happened. I’m very pleased with his progress.”